He didn’t meet his own standards and rarely made a real impact on Inter's game. The goal against Udinese was his first for his new club – not what a striker expects of himself and not what Italian football fans had expected of him either. His coach, Roberto Mancini, recently complained about the little time players are given in Italy to prove themselves: "Patience is lacking in Italy. Not everything can work out right away, especially if you are coming from abroad." Mancini was never unsatisfied with Podolski's performances and he knew that he would never judge him based on goals and assists alone. "I think that he is a great player and a wonderful professional," Mancini has said many times.
Germany coach Löw also trusts Podolski
Germany national team coach Joachim Löw is equally as trusting in Podolski's abilities, recently confirmed by Podolski's first team nominations in March against Australia and Georgia, despite having a severe form crisis with his new club Inter. "He has our full trust and we hope that his time here with us will help him get back to his old form," said Löw after naming Podolski in the squad. Löw was right to trust Podolski, as he bagged the 2-2 equaliser against Australia and has since then consistently improved for Inter. His goal against Udinese came just one week after Podolski assisted the 2-1 winner against AS Roma.
Podolski has kept calm during this entire time as he knows himself that there is far more to being a good football player than just scoring goals and providing assists. But a trend has recently become noticeable and Podolski is fully determined to help Inter make the Europa League qualification before he returns to Arsenal in the summer. A chance for that will come on Sunday, when Inter take on Chievo Verona (15:00 CEST).
DFB.de regularly preview a national team player, who has an important weekend ahead of them for their club side. This week we have chosen Lukas Podolski, who recently bagged his first goal for Inter in Serie A, earning himself plenty of praise from around the country. This weekend, he faces Chievo Verona and will look to continue his upward turn in form.
Football has these unique moments, when one shot can change everything. Lukas Podolski recently experienced one of these moments, which changed the way many Italians see him. The World Champion came on as a 64th-minute substitute in the game with Udinese and was only on the pitch for 43 seconds before rifling a blistering strike from 20+ yards in the top corner. "An incredible goal," wrote the Gazetta. Corriere dello Sport branded this moment as a "heroic deed," as it also secured Inter a 2-1 victory and three points they desperately need in order to qualify for an international competition next season. La Stampa appropriately led with the headline: "Podolski enables Inter to take crucial step towards Europe".
Europe is their goal
Inter and Podolski, who joined on loan from Arsenal during the winter transfer period, shared a mutual goal – the Champions League. "I hope that I can play well and that we will qualify for the Champions League," said Podolski upon his arrival in Milan. The team now knows that they will not play Champions League football next season, but the Europa League is still a realistic achievement. Inter are currently in ninth place, trailing Sampdoria Genoa (5th place) by just two points.
Podolski struggled at first with his move from London to Milan. At Arsenal, he was a well regarded team mate and especially popular with their fans. Podolski was a cult figure at the Gunners, with the fans admiring his open and positive attitude. "There will always be a place in my heart for you," remarked Podolski, addressing his fans prior to signing with Inter. "I loved every minute I was able to wear the Arsenal kit and I hope that I was able to make a lasting impression at the club and with the fans. I hope to see you all again some time."
He had left after being given too little match practice at Arsenal, making just seven sub appearances in the Premier League campaign prior to the winter transfer window. With Inter, he has featured in 14 of the 17 games since he arrived. Things haven't been entirely easy-going however. Podolski is still looking to reach his high standards consistently and have more appearances in the starting eleven. The praise he is receiving for his goal against Udinese is currently drowning out all the criticism he had received in previous months.
Cheerful nature
Podolski had high hopes upon arriving at Inter and was quick to fully immerse himself in the new lifestyle and culture, sharing his experiences on social media. Podolski has a cheerful nature and everywhere he goes, the fans and the general public seem to warm to him and his personality. But not all his hopes were fulfilled.
He didn’t meet his own standards and rarely made a real impact on Inter's game. The goal against Udinese was his first for his new club – not what a striker expects of himself and not what Italian football fans had expected of him either. His coach, Roberto Mancini, recently complained about the little time players are given in Italy to prove themselves: "Patience is lacking in Italy. Not everything can work out right away, especially if you are coming from abroad." Mancini was never unsatisfied with Podolski's performances and he knew that he would never judge him based on goals and assists alone. "I think that he is a great player and a wonderful professional," Mancini has said many times.
Germany coach Löw also trusts Podolski
Germany national team coach Joachim Löw is equally as trusting in Podolski's abilities, recently confirmed by Podolski's first team nominations in March against Australia and Georgia, despite having a severe form crisis with his new club Inter. "He has our full trust and we hope that his time here with us will help him get back to his old form," said Löw after naming Podolski in the squad. Löw was right to trust Podolski, as he bagged the 2-2 equaliser against Australia and has since then consistently improved for Inter. His goal against Udinese came just one week after Podolski assisted the 2-1 winner against AS Roma.
Podolski has kept calm during this entire time as he knows himself that there is far more to being a good football player than just scoring goals and providing assists. But a trend has recently become noticeable and Podolski is fully determined to help Inter make the Europa League qualification before he returns to Arsenal in the summer. A chance for that will come on Sunday, when Inter take on Chievo Verona (15:00 CEST).
